Things to Do - Kyoto page 8

Sogenchi Teien, Japan’s first historic site, and special scenic beauty.

Kyoto

Shrines & Temples

Tenryu-ji Temple

This Zen temple was once ranked first among Kyoto's Five Mountains, and it is also designated as a World Heritage Site. There are many things to see in the precincts, including Sogenchi Teien (Sogen Pond Garden) and Unryuzu (Cloud-Dragon Painting).

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A Travel Guide to Tenryu-ji: Feel Zen in a Serene Setting

Among Kyoto’s many sightseeing spots, Tenryu-ji is one of the most popular. Its signature works, the Unryu-zu (Cloud Dragon Painting) and Daruma-zu (Daruma Painting), are images most Japanese people have seen at least once. To help you fully enjoy Tenryu-ji, we’ll introduce the history and highlights you’ll want to know. With a bit of background as well as must-see spots, you’re sure to appreciate Tenryu-ji even more.

National important cultural property, Nishiromon Gate

Kyoto

Shrines & Temples

Yasaka Shrine

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An ancient shrine with over 1,300-year history since before the relocation of Japan’s capital to Heian-kyo, it is also known as the birthplace of the Gion Festival, and has been highly revered.

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The colorful "kukuri monkey" where wishes are written and tied.

Kyoto

Shrines & Temples

Yasaka Koshindo

Familiarized by locals as the "Koshin-san of Yasaka," the "Kukuri Monkey" made of colorful cloth is popular.

The principal god, Okuninushi no Mikoto, welcomes visitors

Kyoto

Shrines & Temples

Jishu Jinja (Kyoto, Kiyomizu)

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World heritage site, said to have been built in the earliest history in Japan, that enshrines the gods of love.

Goten-mon Gate with tall stonewalls is the front gate to Sanzen-in

Kyoto

Shrines & Temples

Sanzen-in Temple

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One of the three Tendai Sect temples administered by the imperial family. The garden is lovely in all seasons.

The huge Niomon Gate, the entrance to the temple (Important Cultural Property)

Kyoto

Shrines & Temples

Ninna-ji Temple

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This is the first temple in Japan where the imperial family has served as the head priest for many generations since its establishment by Emperor Uda. Highlights include the Kondo (a national treasure), which is a relocated palace from the Imperial Palace, and the Goten, which was the Imperial family's private rooms, and other valuable remains of palace architecture.

Kimono path" lined with 2-meter-high poles

Kyoto

Parks & Gardens

Kimono Forest

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A photogenic art space that resembles a bamboo grove with Kyoto-Yuzen.

Kyoto

Shrines & Temples

Kenninji Temple

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The oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, founded in 1202. The temple attracts visitors with its architectural heritage such as the Hojo (main building), as well as its masterpieces of paintings such as the ceiling paintings, sliding door paintings, and the National Treasure, the folding screens of “The Wind and Thunder Gods.”

Kyoto

Zoos & Aquariums

Kyoto Botanical Gardens

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The oldest prefectural botanical garden in Japan with about 100 years of history. About 12000 species of plants are exhibited on the huge ground about 24ha.

Kyoto

Museums

Kyoto International Manga Museum

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The first comprehensive manga cultural facility in Japan was created through government-academia collaboration. Of the approximately 300,000 items in the collection, 50,000 manga are freely available for viewing.

Kyoto

Shrines & Temples

Kodaiji Temple

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Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s wife Nene built the temple as his and her burial place. It is well-known for the fall foliage not only in Kyoto but also nationwide.

Phoenix Hall on an island in the pond appears to be floating on water
©Byodoin

Kyoto

Shrines & Temples

Byodoin

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Amazing perfect symmetry! Heavenly architecture is truly enchanting.

Kyoto

Shrines & Temples

Kamigamo Shrine (Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine)

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This is the oldest shrine in Kyoto, with a history of more than 2,600 years since the arrival of its god in the Kamishiro period. The shrine grounds are lined with more than 60 shrines and temples, including two National Treasures and 41 Important Cultural Properties.

Approach path lined with vermilion-lacquered lanterns

Kyoto

Shrines & Temples

Kifune Shrine

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With a history of more than 1,300 years, it is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and the head shrine of about 2,000 water god shrines in Japan. It is also known as Kyoto's best spot for matchmaking.